Dirigible headlight



l. H. WHITING.

DIRIGIBLE HEADLIGHT.

APPLICATION FILED Aus.2e. 1919.

1,360,841 Patented NOV. 30, 1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET le es /o 7" /o i ,nfl/eri Off Q J J 6 I HTToR/vfy J. H. WHITING.

DIRIGIBLE HEADLIGHT.

APPLlcATloN FILED Aus.2s. 1919.

1,360,841 Patented Nov. 30, 1920.

2 sains-sneer 2.

f77-Tarma.

UNITED straff-ifsv APATENT OFFICE.

I DrRrGIBLE HEADLIGHT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 30, 1920.

Application filed August 2e, 1919. seriaiNo. 319,883.v

ING a citizen of the United States, residing at lunxsutawney, in the county of Jefferson and State of Pennsylvania7 have invented knew and useful Improvements in Dirigible Headlights, of which the following is a speelfication.

This invention relates to improvements in dirigible headlights, proposing a construe tion which is especially applicable to locomotives and which includes automatically act` ing mechanismV of the gene 1al type disclosed in my U. Letters Patent No. 1,156,263 of October 12, 1915 for causing the projected rays of light to follow the roadway, thereby to illuminate its curves in either direction as well as its straight portions.-

The principal objects of the invention are to provide mechanism which shall lat all times effectively control a movable reflector, maintaining it steady in any position vand during any operative movement, irrespective of the normal vibrations or Shocks to which the vehicle ma'Y be subject, yet which shall be certainly and sensitively responsive to the influence relied on Jlor causing the movement of the reflector in either 'direction accordingly as the tra'ckmay bend in one direction orthe otl er; to provide such mechanism in self contained relation tothe reflector whereby the entire operating structure may, as a unit, be readily fitted in or removed trom the casing provided for' its protection against the elements; and to make provision in mechanism of the character stated for facile adjustment of the range of swinging movement vof the reflector.

With the above objects in view the in vention consists in certain novel features of structure and combination to be set'forth as the description proceeds.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein 1 Y Figure 1 is a vertical central sectional view of headlight in which. the features of the 'invention are incorporated.

Figs. 2 to 5 are sectional views on the respective lines 2-2, 343, 4&4, and 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Similar characters of reference designate corresponding :parts throughout the several views. ii

The reflector 1 and its controlling mechanism are mountedin a. protecting casing 2 which may be of the usual form and is provldcdwith the usual movably mounted lens-carrying trame 3, the lens 4 providing` a normal closure for the front end of said casing. The casing is supported on the front end of the vehicle, e. g. from the smoke box of a locomotive, by a suitable bracket 5 and it is preferably resiliently mountedl in order that the transmission of vibration to the inclosed parts maybe effectively reduced. For this purpose it may be supported by expansive vertical springs which exert their thrust against the bracket 5 and against angle members 7 secured externally to the easing at its lower side. The springs 6 are fitted on posts 8 which are secured fast to the bracket 5 and project slidably through openings in the members 7 above which they carry reacting springs (ia bearing against the lmembers 7 and also against retaining nuts 9.

The parts of the mechanism are supported directly or indirectly by a horizontal plate 10 located in the rear of the reflector and serving to center the same relatively to the lens. For this purpose the side edge portions of said Aplate are slidably fitted in suit- Yable guides 11 provided on the casing 2.

The front edge of the plate 10 is of concave curvature to conform to the outline of the reflector; and said plate is provided with forwardly projecting portions 12 lying at the sides of the reflector and preferably terminating in beads 13 or otherwise formed to provide linger pieces by means of which the plate, and with it all the other parts of the unit, may readily be inserted in or removed from the casing 2.

The reflector 1 is mounted to swing about an axis which is normally. vertical and is fixed in relation to the casing 2. This axis is determined by a pair of diametrically alining pivot posts 14 having plates 15 for their attachment to the reflector. The posts 14 turn in suitable bearings 16 carried by upper'and lower brackets 17 and 18, the rlower bearing 16 preferably being of end thrust type. The bracketY 17- includes an upright portion attached to the plate 1() ar.- jacent its rear edge and a horizontal arm overhanging said plate. The bracket 18 inL chicles a horizontal arm 19 adjacent the lower side of the casing 2 and a semi-circular hanger 20 for attachment to the under side of the plate 10, the arm 19 projecting forward from the hanger 20.

In order to secure the unit in operative position the casing 2 is provided 'with an externally attached spring latch 2i. whcsc engaging end 22 operates through an aperture 23 and has a cani formation.. 'lhen the unit is inserted into the casing the hori Y zontal part of the bracket 13, acting en the v cam surface oi' the part 22, depresses and' rides over the latch 21 whose end 22 -norn mally acts as a stop or detent in coopera- Vtion with the shoulder aorded by the front end of the. arm 19. The part 22 is provided with a projecting linger piece 24 by which Vit may be manually moved below the arm the curve; and these conditions are utilized kthe curved portionof the track. At thev in providing for the automatic movement and control of the reflector. The actuating .element of the operating mechanism is Va weighted pendulous'rod 25 which is'hung from a supporting post 26' projecting -iorward from theupriglit part ofthe'bracket -1-7 and which always seeks a perpendicular position. The plate 10 has a clearance or opening 10a through which therrod 25 projects. VThrough the other elements of the mechanism the rod 25"'controls the angular position of the reflector. When Vboth of the rails areat the same elevation, Vas l'or a straight track, the rod 25 and the axisY 14 are in a common perpendicular plane taken longitudinally central oi the reii'ector and the reflector is heldin a position wherein its axial center A is in the said common lane, the rays of llight thereby being projected straight ahead in an extensionofsaid plane. However, when the locomotive or car leans in taking a curve, the casing 2is tilted laterally relatively yto the 'rod 25, which, maintaining its perpendicular position,will then extend at an angle to the'axis 14, that is to say, the axis 14 is tilted laterally-at an angle to the perpendicular plane while the Vrod 25 still remainsin said plane; under such conditions the reflector 1 is pivotally moved about the then inclined axis 14 whereby the axis of the projected rays of light will be at a lateral angle to said plane and the rays will sweep across and illuminate end of the curve the mechanism operates in a similar manner to restore the reflector to its normal position. The relative movement of the rod 25 about the'post 26 should be without binding or Vsensible frictio'nal resistancefand for this purpose a suitable roller bearing `27' lis provided. However, the rod 25 must not be responsive to normalvibrations or shocks,- that is-to say, it must be Y mon tothe rod 25 Aand 'axis' 14. Y lever 37 pivoted betweerrits ends as at 38 f vto the plate 10, and arrangedbelow said lever bears a weight 29V at its outer end and l is soarranged and connected to .the rod 25 that normal forces tending to move said Y lever and rod are rendered ineffective, the counter-balance lever acting to render the reflectors insensitive to small vibrations, road shocks or. side sway of the engine vupon which the headlight is mounted. YThe lever 28 projects forward and horizontally yfrom the upright'part of the bracket 17 and normally lies in the same perpendicular plane as the rod 25 and axis 14. At itsinner end it is formed with a reduced axial stem 29 which vhas Van axially slidable"V and also a pivotal relation to the bracket 17. For this purpose a universal joint connection is provided whichcomprises a ball 30 having a, diametrical borev into which the stem 29 projects vand an inclosing spherical socket 31 having a suitable opening or clearance 32 for the stem 29, the socket 31 being of any .l

suitable construction and associated in any suitable manner with the upright Vpart of the bracket 17. As shown in Fig. 5, sai l bracket is formed withY a stamped recess which provides one half of said socket and the Vmating or companion halis formed in a plate secured by rivets or otherwise to said bracket. The-rod 25 is provided above the post 26 with an-alining extension 33 having a Vreduced axial tang 34 which projects through an opening`35 in the lever 28, the opening 35 flaring longitudinally from its lower to its Vupper end. Y

The relative pivotal movements of the rod 25V may be transmitted to `either or both Vof the posts 14, the `latter arrangement being disclosed and preferred. The connections which act Von'the separate posts, although having certain features in common, are not duplicates, but rather equivalents.

The lower post 14 is provided with a rearwardly projecting arm'36l'preferably lying normally in the perpendicular plane comp'late, is employed as an operative connection between the rod 25 and the arm 36. Said lever has. at its front end a fork 39 and at its rear end a fork'40. Thearm 36 carries at its rear end a'projection 41 which extends between "the Yarms of the fork 39 and v referabl com rises ananti-riction roller mounted on al stem 42,:the-'1atter vprojecting through a longitudinal slot 43 in thefarm 36 whereby/lit may be adjusted.lengthwise ofA said arm andV beingsecured inpo'sition by a nut 44 cooperating as afclamping element witha bearing-collar 45 fixed on "said stem.

The arms of the'flork 4Q are cross-sectionally A horizontalV lll) 'curved along axes of a circle and provide retaining bearings for a slidingand rocking block 46 of cylindrical form. The block 46 has a diametrica-l slotted opening through which the rod 25 projects. 1t will vbe apparent that a relative movement of the rod 25 about its pivot 26 in consequence of the tilting of the casing 2 as the locomotive-or car leans in taking a curve will result ina movement of the lever 37 about its pivot 38, this, in turn, through the arm 36 rocking the reflector in the lateral direction in Vwhich the casing may be tilted, the degree ofthe movement of the reflector being dependent on the degree of tilt of the casing 2. The pivot 38 is mounted in the plate 10 for adjustment longitudinally of the casing 2 in order that the throw or range of movement'of the reflector may be regulated as desired; said pivot accordingly projects through a slot 47 in said plate, being secured in'position by a clamping nut 48 and coperating collar 49.

The upper post 14 is provided with a rearwardly projecting arm 5G similar to the arm 36 and which at its rear end carries a projection 5l, preferably comprising a friction roller mounted on a stem 52.V The lever 28 is preferably utilized for the operation of' the arm 50 and for this purpose is formed with an axial bore in which is rotatably secured a rod 53 terminating in a fork 54 located beyond the upright 29. The projection 5l extends between the armsof the fork 54 and is mounted for adjustment lengthwise of the arm 50 in order that the throw of the reflector may be regulated as desired. Preferably, the stem 52 projects through a longitudinal slot in the arm and is secured in position by a clamping nut 56 and coperating collar 57. As in the case of the lever 37 and arm 36 a relative movement of the rod 25 about its pivot 26 in consequence of the tilting of the casing 2 as the locomotive or car leans in taking a curve will result in a deflection of the reflector'in .the`

lateral direct-ion in which the casing may be ilted, the movement of the rod 25 being` transmitted by its extension 33, throughthe lever 28 and fork 54, to the arm 50 and reflector 2.

The pivot 33 is adjusted rearward to increase the range of movement of the reiector and forward to decrease it. The stem 52, however, is adjusted forward to increase the range of movement of the reflector and rearward to decrease it. Where the operating connections are provided both above and below as shown, the regulation of the range of movement of the reflector requires adjustments in the manner described of both the pivot 38 and the sleeve 52. Provision for such regulation is desirable in 'view of variations in the engineering standards of different railroads for curves of the same degree and of the manifest advantage of selectcautionary measure and to eliminate any Vp-ossilnlity of a binding action between the lever 37 and the arm 36, where said lever and 4arm function in connection with similarly functioning parts acting on the upper pivot post 14.l l

I claim l. In a headlight, the combination with a casing, a removable and replaceable unit mounted therein and comprising a reflector pivotally mounted for lateral movement in either direction, a supporting element carrying said reliecter, means for holding said element in a fixed position relative to said casing, automatic means carried by said element for moving said reflector, said automatic means including a pendulous weighted rod arranged to maintain a perpendicular position in any angular position of said casing and element, said reflector moving means including a counter-balance weight connected to said pendulous rod above its pivot whereby the rod will tend to maintain a perpendicular position under any minor sidewise 'impulse such as shifting, sidesway or vibration.

2. In a headlight, the combination of a casing havingA oppositely arranged guide channels, a horizontal plate having a sliding tit in said channels, thereby being removable from said casing, brackets carried by said plate, a reflector pivotally connected to said brackets for lateral movement in either direction, said plate having forwardly proj ecting grasping portions located at the sides of said reliector, and automatic means carried by said plate for moving said reflector, said automatic means including a pendulous weighted rod arranged to maintain a perpendicular position in any angular position of said casing-'and plate.

3. 1n a headlight, the combination of a casing, a horizontal plate removably litted in said casing, brackets carried by said plate, a reflector pivotally connected to said brackets for lateral movement' in either direction, one of the brackets having an upright portion, a pendulous weighted rod pivotally mounted in said upright portion for transverse movement in a vertical plane, a lever pivotally mounted in said upright portion for transverse movement in a horizontal plane, said lever projecting forward from said upright portion and having a counter weight at its outer end, said rod having an alining extension above its pivot, a pivotal movement-transmitting connection between said extension and said lever and Vconnections for transmitting movement V.for swinging movement in a transverse' vertical plane; ahorizontal leverv pivoted at a.

VVpoint in the rear of said rod and in normal,Y

perpendicular alinement with Y the 'pivotj l :for movement al'outf-a vertical axis, a pen- 1 thereof for transverse swinging movement fin a horizontal plane, said lever having a counter weight at its outer end7 said rod having an alining extension above its pivot, a pivotal movement-transmitting connection between said extension and said lever,V and connections for transmitting movement from saidrod Vto said reflector.v Y

5. In a headlight, the combination of a casing, a reflector pivotally mounted therein for lateral swinging movement Vin either direction, a pendulous weighted rod mounted in the rear of said reflector for swinging l said rod.

'movement in a transverse vertical planey a horizontal lever mounted in perpendicular alineme'nt with the pivot of said rod for transverse swinging movement in a horizontal lane a inovement-transmittino confor lateral swinging movement in either direction, a pendulous weighted rod mounted in tliezrear of said reflector for swinging movement in a transverse vertical plane, a horizontal lever mounted in perpendicular alinement with the pivot of' said rodit'or vrtransverse swinging movement in a hori- :jontal plane, a movement-transmitting connectionv between` said lever and saidv rod above the pivot of saidrod, a movementtransmitting connection between said reflector and said rod below the pivot :or said rod, and a movement-transmitting connection between said reflector and said lever.v

'Y 7 YIn 'a headlight', a casing, a plate removably mountedv inl said casing, a pivotalliv mounted reflector having support from said plate, said reflector being movable about a vertical axis Vand having a rearwardly pro- ]ecting arm, an actuating element having support from said plate and automatically responsive by gravityV to changes in the anguiar position lof said plate and casing and operatingconnections letwecn said actuat- 'ingI eleinentfand said arm,V said o aerating connections including a vcounter-balance weight adapted to maintain said rellector against-movenientunder conditions of minor sidewise impulses and vibration,

ln a'Y headlight7 the combination of Ya casing, a reflector pivotally mounted therein dulo'us weighted rod mounted for swinging movement in a transverse vertical plane,

Y movenie t't'ransmitting connections between said rod and said reflector below the aivot of saidfvrod and other movement-transmitting connections.between said rod and said `vreflector above the pivot of said rod, the

latter connections including a lever acting with counter-balancing effect on said rod.

' 9. lna headlight, the combination of ai casing, a reflector lpivotally mounted therein for movement about av vertical anis, a pendulous Y,weighted rod mounted therein for swinging movement in a tiansiverse vertical plane, and movement-transmitting connections between said rod andY said reflector, said connections including an. arm projecting from said reflectora a stem' adjustably mounted on said arm, forked rod adapt'edto cooperate with said stem andacounter-balance member mounted on said last-nained rod, said counter-balance member being formed with an aperture therethrough wherebj,7 it is adapted'tosurround the upper end of said pendulous weighted rod. Y

lt). ln a headlight, the combination of av ca.. a reflector mounted therein to Vswing about Va vertical axis, a pendulous weighted rod vmounted therein fonmovement in a transverse vertical plane.y and movementtransmitting connections between said rod andsaidV reflector including an arm projecting rearward ro'msaid reflector and provided with a projection, a horizontal lever pivoted intermediate its ends and having at its frontend a forlrfor engagement with said projection, saidv lever also having a. fork at its rear end and block Vhaving an opening through which said rodjprojects, said block being mounted for rocking and sliding movement in the forli at the rear end of said lever. p y

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand. Y

J OHN HARVEY VHITING. 

